| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41183 | Applied Catalysis A: General | 2012 | 4 Pages |
Catalytic activities of eight alkyl/aryl sulfonic acids in water were compared with sulfuric acid of the same acid strength (0.0321 mol H+ ion/L) for hydrolysis of Sigmacell cellulose (DP ∼ 450) in the 140–190 °C temperature range by measuring total reducing sugar (TRS), and glucose produced. Cellulose samples hydrolyzed at 160 °C for 3 h, in aqueous p-toluenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, and 4-biphenylsulfonic acid mediums produced TRS yields of 28.0, 25.4, and 30.3% respectively, when compared to 21.7% TRS produced in aqueous sulfuric acid medium. The first order rate constants at 160 °C in different acid mediums correlated with octanol/water distribution coefficient log D of these acids, except in the case of highly hydrophobic 4-dodceylbenzenesulfonic acid. In the series of sulfonic acids studied, 4-biphenylsulfonic acid appears to be the best cellulose hydrolysis catalyst.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (92 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Aryl sulfonic acids are better catalysts than H2SO4 for hydrolysis of cellulose. ► 4-Biphenylsulfonic acid gave the highest glucose yield at160 °C. ► Catalytic activity correlates with log D of the sulfonic acids.
